1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The VCU Health Hub will host free rollator (four-wheeled walker) safety checks and basic repairs, including: tightening brakes, adjusting handles and replacing worn nuts/bolts. Some part replacements (wheels, seats) may be available. The event will be at the VCU Health Hub, 1330 N. 25th St., Suite A.

For more information, contact VCU Health Hub at 25th at vcuhealthhub@vcu.edu.

11 a.m.

Stop by PennyAppeal's table in the Commons (University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.) to help raise funds for care kits that provide clothing, hygiene supplies and emergency aid to unhoused individuals. PennyAppeal will be selling cookies, pumpkin bread and candy goodie bags. Not a fan of sweets? The group will also be selling bracelets. Follow the organization on Instagram (@pennyappealatvcu) or RamsConnect.

For more information, contact PennyAppeal at VCU at Officialpennyappealatvcu@gmail.com.

12 p.m.

Faculty members are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support community-engaged data dissemination. An informational session will be held via Zoom for those interested in submitting a proposal. Visit The Division of Community Engagement to register for the sessions and review the full proposal requirements. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/88642269971 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/Rro3DVF3uWVkMvk1A.

2 p.m.

VCU's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs will hold a virtual information session via Zoom for its Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration program. An overview by the program director and a review of application procedures will be presented. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ross Losapio at wsrecruit@vcu.edu or (804) 827-0364 or visit https://bit.ly/wilderphd1029.

3 p.m.

This online Writing Center workshop is designed to make you more familiar with personal narrative assignments and writing in a more personal way. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

3 p.m.

This general informational session is geared to all undergraduates who are new to VCU this fall – first-year and transfer students – but all are welcome. Learn about the National Scholarship Office (NSO), the (inter)nationally competitive awards for which the office advises and how to make yourself a great candidate. The session will be in person or on Zoom. The in-person option will be in the NSO Conference Room (Room 1210) on the first floor of the Honors College building at 701 W. Grace St. Zoom links will be sent to all participants the morning of the session. Register at the following ULR.

For more information, contact Jeff Wing at jawing@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4oSfyCS2CCpSrNjkIr7gPLoGoz4nQXIzJTJQUdHEyN61dRg/viewform.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Rams in Recovery's speaker series will host Devin Byrne, MS, LPC. to the College of Health Professions, 900 E. Leigh St., first floor Multipurpose Room (1075). Byrne, who is in long-term recovery, is a graduate of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program and a Rams in Recovery alumnus. Questions: Email recovery@vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Thomas N. Bannard at bannardtn@vcu.edu or (804) 366-8027 or visit https://bit.ly/MCVRecoverySeries.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

Join the Department of Graphic Design in welcoming the newest lecturer in the Fall 2025 Object + Methods lecture series. Laura Coombs is a graphic designer from Texas living in New York. She creates internationally recognized visual identities and editorial projects with museums, institutions, artists and architects. Since 2017, she has led design at the New Museum of Contemporary Art, Rhizome and New Inc in downtown Manhattan. The talk will be in the theater of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Luiza Dale at oliveiramal@vcu.edu or visit https://objectsandmethods.net/.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Join the VCU Social Work programs and recruitment team to learn about your options to build a Social Welfare or Social Work and Mental Health minor into your plan of study. Discover the minor programs offered to all undergraduate students by the School of Social Work at VCU. Prospective transfer students are also welcome to attend to learn about articulation and easy paths from community college to VCU. This undergraduate interest session is a hybrid event and will be held in person in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC) Room 4100, 1000 Floyd Ave., and via Zoom. Register at https://forms.gle/JmKiJRcRqaEVZnDPA

For more information, contact VCU School of Social Work at sswinfo@vcu.edu or visit https://socialwork.vcu.edu/academics/all-school-discovery-day/.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 6 p.m.

VCU's Spanish Program will host a Celebration of the Day of the Dead in Hibbs Hall, Room 303, 900 Park Ave. Build an altar and learn about the traditional ofrendas. Bring a photo of a loved one to honor them. Wear a costume for a chance to win a prize. Pizza, pan de muerto and Mexican hot chocolate will be available to accompany a viewing of "Coco," an animated film about the importance of cultural traditions as a source of connection and resilience to pursue one's dreams. All are invited.

For more information, contact Maribel Moheno, Ph.D., at mmoheno@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

A gathering will be held at the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., to promote emotional wellbeing by sharing activities that bring us joy or stress relief. Come for community, food and shenanigans. All are welcome.

For more information, contact the Rev. Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit https://www.thepacecenter.com/.

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join a dedicated writing group. Whether you’re working on a manuscript, a grant proposal or another scholarly project, this group provides fellowship, accountability and focused writing time. Sessions are held every Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom, hosted by the Division of Community Engagement in collaboration with the Council for Community Engagement Research Work Group. Join the Zoom meeting at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/86507914411 or register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/dKNsb9AYcVqS7kMa8.

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost will host weekly open consultations for faculty, staff and partners to receive guidance and explore how to make the most of Collaboratory: VCU's Database for Community and Civic Engagement Activities and Partnerships in their work. Bring your questions or simply join us to explore the database. Sessions will be held every Friday from noon-1 p.m. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81793039272?jst=2

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/.

Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m.

University Counseling Services is partnering with the Center for Human-Animal Interaction, Dogs on call for students to get some cuddles and play time with certified therapy dogs. The event will be in the University Student Commons Virginia Rooms A-B-C-D, 907 Floyd Ave. No registration is required. Students can drop in anytime during the event.

For more information, contact Christine Strasser at cstrasser@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6200.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at noon

Learn more about the flexibility of VCU's Evening MBA program at a webinar hosted by the School of Business. This online presentation will provide an overview of program formats (which include online, on-campus or a blend of both), curriculum and the admissions process. No registration is required – join via Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Evan Torpy at torpyec@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/81134361191.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at noon

Join VCU HR and LegalShield for a special presentation focused on protecting yourself and your family’s estate. While making a Will leaves much for you to consider, your LegalShield benefit simplifies this process. Your provider lawyer can help you draft a Will, Power of Attorney and Advanced Healthcare Directive. We will highlight and talk about all of these important documents. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/47lDCbV

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Join us for a virtual informational session to explore two programs designed for changemakers in education and beyond. They are the Culturally Responsive Leadership Graduate Certificate and the Educational Leadership M.Ed. – Culturally Responsive Leadership concentration. Questions: Visit https://soe.vcu.edu Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Brandon Norris at norrisbs@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/Fall25CRL.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Join the Division of Community Engagement team for its November Networking Social at Bar Solita, 123 W. Broad St. Meet colleagues, swap project ideas and spark collaborations.

For more information, contact Verenda Cobbs at s2vkcobb@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/dce-news-events/events/.

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at noon

Join the Department of Health Administration to learn about graduate programs in health administration (MHA and MSHA) during a virtual informational session. RSVP to the following URL to receive the Zoom link.

For more information, contact Cam Parkins at parkinsc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/oooKzdjSDqDxrrYh7.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

Faculty, staff and students are invited to join VCU's Division of Community Engagement for an online presentation that will highlight how community-engaged research can evolve into opportunities for student engagement, experiential learning, training and scholarly outputs. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82775901937 Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/fdQx36fwiuVgGEUP9.

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to the 2025 Connect Conference, where community voices, scholarship and innovation come together to build meaningful connections. The event will be in James Branch Cabell Library, Room 303, 901 Park Ave. Participants will learn skills and principles of community engagement, see partnerships in action and engage in design activities to support future collaborations that meet community needs. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/z3TfbFwBu6HRDqJE6.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at noon

VCU and VCU Health invite you to celebrate National Rural Health Day with two events (virtual and in-person) that highlight the contributions of faculty, staff and students advancing rural health through research, programming, clinical practice and service. The event will be at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, 120 S. Linden St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIZGkzLYl262m_lo9XzU082yIYCAohuohMSiSRfbPt5au7Bw/viewform.

VCU students and trainees conducting cancer research are invited to register for the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference, hosted by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The conference will take place Nov. 14–15 at the Hilton Short Pump, 12042 W. Broad St. Join fellow researchers from across the state for two days of presentations, networking and collaboration. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/0382dc6b-0821-4b28-8ead-71a26e2c1de8/summary.

The Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is more than just a fundraising program — it’s a movement that has united state employees in giving since 1997. Together, we’ve supported charities of every size and mission, from local food banks and animal rescues to health programs, veteran services, youth organizations and more. As we celebrate 28 years of service and generosity, remember that giving is also a gift to yourself — boosting your happiness and overall well-being while helping strengthen communities across Virginia.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/commonwealth-of-virginia-campaign/.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) is sponsoring two new Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) for the 2025-2026 academic year. One is focused on Teaching and learning in General Education Courses and the other is focused on how to integrate Inclusive Teaching Practices in Large Introductory Courses. Capacity is limited; click on the following URL to apply.

For more information, contact Zachary G. Goodell at zggoodel@vcu.edu or visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/faculty-resources/center-for-teaching-and-learning-excellence/faculty-learning-communities/.

Save on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and groceries via VCU Discounts Marketplace powered by Working Advantage. Check out the VCU Preferred Perks tab for specially curated local offers just for the VCU community. Register for free at the following URL.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-discounts/.

Registration is open for the Fall 2025 Mosaic Celebration hosted by VCU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. The event, open to all graduating students, lifts up the histories, traditions and contributions that shape the VCU community. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 in the Commonwealth Ballrooms, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave., second floor. Register by noon Friday, Nov. 21 at the following URL.

For more information, contact Jair Lecky at leckyjj@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1krC70qEa01gt_JXGRWOGwPpZ2zZ0eGaMtK2bSOzHGa0/edit.

VCU's Disability Advocacy and Accessibility Caucus (DAAC) invites artists with disabilities, chronic conditions or neurodivergence to express themselves and submit up to three artworks for the organization's first pop-up exhibition. This event celebrates the experiences of people with disabilities through art. Submit your art pieces by Friday, Nov. 7 at 11:59 p.m. Accepted artists will be notified by Monday, Nov. 10.

For more information, contact Shady Habib at habibss@vcu.edu or (703) 314-2515 or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7mHX06HCc6jZrtgcrUG0gdJUpO-HAFNQvlvLUfBRw7rxNrA/viewform.

Do you want to deliver a TEDx Talk on campus? Or do you have a talent you want to showcase to your peers? Questions: Visit tedx@vcu.edu Speaker/performer applications will be accepted at the following URL until Friday, Nov. 14.

For more information, contact Sruthi Ravindran at ravindrans@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/tedxvcu/speaker-guide/.

Join fellow faculty and staff during Transformative Learning Week 2025 for a hands-on service opportunity with a local community partner, connect with colleagues across units and model transformative learning for our students. Use your community service leave for this. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/32k8fbx5.

Interested in teaching a service-learning course or want the latest updates on VCU’s Service-Learning Program? Join this virtual informational session from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 to explore how service-learning enhances student engagement, fosters community partnerships and aligns with Transformative Learning at VCU. Learn about faculty resources, course designation processes and ways to become involved in advancing experiential education across campus. The Zoom link is at the following URL.

For more information, contact Antonio Harris at harrisad6@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/5143612286.

Breast Cancer death rates in the United States have dropped by 44 percent since 1989. That’s not a coincidence. For 40 years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped raise awareness of Breast Cancer across the nation. It has encouraged millions to act, resulting in increased early detection and advancements in treatment that have saved more than half a million lives. Schedule your lifesaving mammogram at VCU Health today by calling (804) 237-6666. Uninsured? Learn more about Every Woman’s Life, a public health program that helps uninsured, low-income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU Employee Health at EHS@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/every-womans-life/ .

Faculty members are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support community-engaged data dissemination. A virtual panel discussion will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12 featuring former grant awardees who will share their experiences and insights. Visit the following Division of Community Engagement URL to register for the sessions and review the full proposal requirements.

For more information, contact Mitsuko Cedra at cedrasmd@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/facultystaff/grants/ddgrants2026/.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute is offering virtual informational sessions for the 2026 VCU Leadership Development Program. If you are interested in a program and/or have a question, we highly suggest you come to hear from the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute staff. The 30-minute sessions will highlight learning objectives and program logistics. Four virtual options will be avaiable, all on Wednesdays: Nov. 12 at noon, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m., Dec. 3 at noon and Dec. 10 at noon. RSVP at the following URL. Zoom links will be emailed onee to three days before each session.

For more information, contact Ron Jones at jonesre22@vcu.edu or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefPBrM6APFGQ7W1rswhBCqusfZ-CfWHX-6-t0LZjdYHr_LfQ/viewform?usp=header.

Redefining BMI is a research study at the VCU School of Public Health. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two programs to help manage their weight by making changes to eating and physical activity. Both programs involve attending virtual group-based sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach over the course of 12 months. This study also asks participants to attend in-person data collection visits before beginning the program, and then again at four, eight and 12 months

For more information, contact Redefining BMI study at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cisgender heterosexual for the control group.

For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

Are you a single parent who currently resides in the Richmond metropolitan area; works full time, attends school full time or a combination of working and attending school; and has a child or children under 18 years of age? If so, we want to hear from you. We are doctoral students at VCU's School of Education conducting a project on the single-parent experience (e.g., child care needs and support). Complete the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Yadira Guerrero at guerreroy3@vcu.edu or visit https://yadiguer.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=Ekd6XsvpH8wECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D.

Black women ages 18-35 who have no experience with resistance exercise (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands, body weight exercises) are invited to share their perspectives about resistance exercise and their desired features of a mobile app aimed to help guide and track their exercise regimens. Women will be invited to complete a one-time interview plus two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check your eligibility using the link below. Check your eligibility at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chloe Jones, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at jonesc53@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CJCT4ELK87PHXKK3.